Cloninger Soundoff: Roy elevates in place of Sessions

Khadijah Sessions dinged her finger on Friday, and that’s played a part.

Mostly, it’s Tina Roy is playing very well right now, and Dawn Staley wants her on the floor.

Roy has played 23 and 24 minutes during two games in the SEC tournament, taking over at point guard and contributing 19 points. Sessions started Saturday – and should start on Sunday – but Staley made it clear that Roy will be on the floor very soon.

“Tina’s playing some good basketball,” Staley said. “We could go with the lineup just because it’s the lineup, or we can take advantage of what players are doing out there on the floor.”

The Gamecocks have been terrific all season about nobody’s nose getting out of joint due to playing time. Staley hasn’t had to play master psychiatrist, because hurt feelings have been few.

So even when a junior floor leader who’s started 56 of her last 60 games is on the bench, it’s not going to cause problems.